Thunder Jet Queenstown RSS feedUpdates from Thunder Jet Queenstownhttp://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/
Sun, 17 Jul 2016 21:04:58 +12005http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/2016-05/queenstown-winter-festival-become-part-of-the-action.35/#2
<p>Ladies and Gentlemen,&nbsp;</p>
<p>The stars have finally aligned and we have snow! Even if it is just a dusting of the mountain caps...</p>
<p>This time last year the resort town had already seen at least two dumps of the cold white stuff which had all of us wondering what the heck was going on?</p>
<p>Going hand in hand with this breaking news is -- drumroll, please -- the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival programme is now live! The 2016 dates are coming in hot from June 24th through July 3rd.</p>
<p>The festival is set for 10 days and nights of fun and frivolity right in the heart of Queenstown. Thunder Jet's prime location on Steamer Wharf, Earnslaw Park ensures all festival action is captured so you are guaranteed to not miss a beat.</p>
<p>While you're here, come and join us on the water travelling a distance of 47km at speeds of up to 95kph on the glacial-fed, Kawarau River, surrounded by a picturesque landscape. We'll chuck in some world-famous 360 degree Hamilton spins for good measure, of course!</p>
<p>If jet boating isn't quite your thing then come on down to out Thunder Jet booking kiosk on Steamer Wharf, Earnslaw Park to check out what other fantastic activities there are that we can arrange for you.</p>
<p>The Thunder Jet crew will be out and about partaking in many of the wacky events throughout the programme so make sure you come and cheer them on! From bikes on snow to the insane Birdman Competition, there's plenty of fun to float your boat. For more information or to book your Winterfestival tickets check out their website <a href="http://www.winterfestival.co.nz">HERE</a></p>
<p>Lots of love,</p>
<p>Team Thunder Jet&nbsp;</p>Thunder JetMon, 16 May 2016 16:30:12 +120031http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/2015-10/isobel-turner-is-coming-back.34/#2
<p><strong>What she doesn&rsquo;t know is there is now an initiation&hellip;</strong></p>
<p>After years of begging Thunder Jet to take her back, we&rsquo;ve made some room and are welcoming Izzi back this summer.</p>
<p>Two years ago Izzi joined our Thunder Jet team and brought us a summer bursting with fun and laughter. Along with her clumsiness and tanning on the jet boat between sales (when she wasn&rsquo;t on her phone), we are so excited to have her back!</p>
<p>So here she comes, lively, longhaired and luscious. If you haven&rsquo;t already seen this bold beauty in many of our marketing campaigns, we can&rsquo;t wait for you all to meet her.</p>
<p><strong>You can take the girl out of Invercargill&hellip;</strong></p>
<p>Izzi got the opportunity to fly with <a href="http://www.paraflights.co.nz/">Queenstown Paraflights&nbsp;</a>for an amazing experience. When she returned to solid ground she said, not so gracefully, &ldquo;A stubby wouldn&rsquo;t go a miss up there!&rdquo; Well, you can take the girl out of Invercargill, but you can&rsquo;t take Invercargill out of the girl!</p>
<p>We are stoked to have her back &ndash; bring on SUMMER!</p>
<p>P.S. We got our hands on some past images that we think represent Izzi perfectly&hellip; Happy initiation, Iz! Oh, did we forget to mention that you must be thrown in the lake on your first day back?</p>
<p><strong>Want to meet more of the Thunder Jet team? FOLLOW US!</strong></p>
<p><strong>@ThunderJetQT</strong></p>Thunder JetWed, 14 Oct 2015 2:27:49 +120030http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2013-03/bye-bye-summer.33/#2
<p>Summer seems to have scorched by this year with plenty of 25 degree plus days making perfect weather to head out on a cooling ride across the lake. Not to worry though, autumn in Queenstown is even more beautiful - the scenery surrounding the Kawarau river transforms into red and gold streaks as you power by!</p>
<p>Just out of town we have the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz/" title="Arrowtown Autumn Festival">Arrowtown Autumn Festival</a>, which although slightly less adrenalin-fuelled than our adventures, is still well worth visiting - check it out between the 12th and 21st of April.</p>
<p>Stuck for an activity before then? You know <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/" title="ThunderJet Queenstown">where to come</a>!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 8 Mar 2013 15:52:59 +120029http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2013-01/its-going-to-be-a-scorcher-in-queenstown.32/#2
<p>This weekend is set to be a scorcher here in the Wakatipu, if you're searching for activities to do in Queenstown, how about a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/information/#1" title="ThunderJet Queenstown">refreshing zip along the lake</a> and then up the Kawarau River? Sound like the sort of thing you'd like? Feeling the breeze through your hair as we power up the river through some of the regions most dramatic landscapes... bliss on a summer's day!</p>
<p>If you need even more adventure, then our good friends at Heli Tours have a brand new helicopter to fly you out of the heat and onto the mountain - check out our amazing deals on a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.helitours.co.nz/combos/queenstown-combos/heli-thunderjet-combo/" title="Heli-ThunderJet Combo">Heli Jet Combo</a>.</p>
<p>We look forward to thrilling you soon!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 25 Jan 2013 12:06:24 +120028http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2013-01/are-you-planning-an-active-weekend.31/#2
<p>It's going to be a busy weekend over the hill in Wanaka with the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.challengewanaka.com" title="Challenge Wanaka">Challenge Wanaka Ironman</a> where some crazy fit people will be swimming 3.8km, biking 180km then finishing it off with a short run of 42.2km!!!</p>
<p>If that sounds a bit much activity for you (despite your New Years resolutions) then you should stay in town with us and experience <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz" title="ThunderJet Queenstown">the best Jet Boating New Zealand has to offer</a> right here in Queenstown! And if you've completed the Ironman, why not run or bike over to see us on Sunday where we'll give you the ride of your life!!</p>Team Thunder JetWed, 16 Jan 2013 12:11:41 +120027http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2013-01/have-you-seen-our-new-boat.30/#2
<p>With a total of <strong>820 Horse Power</strong> you'd probably hear it first!!!</p>
<p>A big thank you to everyone who turned up to support us at our launch party, we're now happily in the New Year with not one, not two, but THREE ThunderJets rocking the Wakatipu and Kawarau!</p>
<p>We're so proud of our new boat you should come down to Steamer Wharf and check it out...</p>
<p>At the moment summer is here, and the next minute it's gone, but while it may be bad for lazing on the beach, a bit of snow on the hills is perfect for Helicopter sightseeing! We've teamed up with Heli Tours to give you <a target="_blank" href="http://www.helitours.co.nz/combos/queenstown-combos/heli-thunderjet-combo/" title="Heli-ThunderJet Combo">the ultimate thrill</a> - a scenic flight with an alpine landing followed by an hour blasting along the glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu into the mighty Kawarau River - we'll see you <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz" title="ThunderJet Queenstown">here</a>!</p>Team Thunder JetThu, 10 Jan 2013 12:01:27 +120026http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-12/have-you-sucumbed-to-hobbit-fever.29/#2
<p>If you&rsquo;re a fan like we are you must have seen the film already, but have you seen the new campaign from Tourisn NZ?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/middle-earth/" title="Tourism NZ">&ldquo;Take a journey through Middle-earth&rdquo;</a> blends the fantasy world of Tolkien with our real world scenery where Queenstown and Glenorchy star as Isengard and Lothlorien.</p>
<p>So when you&rsquo;re done riding the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz" title="ThunderJet">best jet boat ride in Queenstown</a> (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255122-d2332299-Reviews-Thunder_Jet-Queenstown_South_Island.html" title="Trip Advisor">check out our reviews!</a>), take a drive up to Glenorchy and check out the scenery at a more relaxed pace!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 7 Dec 2012 11:27:04 +120025http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-12/summer-music.28/#2
<p>So you&rsquo;ve ridden the<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/information/#1" title="ThunderJet"> best jet boat in Queenstown</a>, been wowed by our friendly crew, had the time of your life, what now? Well, if you&rsquo;re in town in February you&rsquo;ve got a whole heap of fun to choose from!</p>
<p>On February 9th we have the biennial <a target="_blank" href="http://www.shotoversunshinefestival.co.nz/" title="Shotover Sunshine Festival">Shotover Sunshine Festival</a> where award-winning kiwi artists Tiki Taane, Kora, The Black Seeds, and Ladi6 will entertain the crowds in the beautiful Dalefield.</p>
<p>February 19th sees Fat Freddy&rsquo;s Drop, Anika Boh and Hollie Smith headline the 7th annual <a target="_blank" href="http://www.winerytour.co.nz/dates-venues/104-tuesday-19-february-gibbston-valley-waitiri-creek" title="Classic Hits Winery Tour">Classic Hits Winery Tour</a> at Waitiri Creek Winery &ndash; a perfect excuse to sample some of their wonderful wines in a stunning setting.</p>
<p>And finally on February 23rd we also have the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.greenstoneentertainment.co.nz/#TB_inline?height=460&amp;width=660&amp;modal=false&amp;inlineId=modalRegisterWrapper" title="Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert">Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert</a> where you&rsquo;ll be rocked by Pat Benatar &amp; Neil Giraldo, Bachman &amp; Turner, although it may help if you&rsquo;ve over a certain age for that one :)</p>
<p>See you in Queenstown real soon!</p>Team Thunder JetSun, 2 Dec 2012 11:03:48 +120024http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-11/summer-finally-seems-to-be-on-its-way.27/#2
<p>... bring on winter!!! OK, so we&rsquo;re not so keen to give up the long lazy evenings and warm breezes just yet, but the fantastic <a target="_blank" href="http://www.winterfestival.co.nz/" title="2013 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival">American Express Queenstown Winter Festival</a> has announced next years dates - open your diary and cancel everything between the 21st and 30th of June 2013.</p>
<p>The coolest 10 days in the Southern hemisphere will be home to fun on and off the ski slopes &ndash; street parades, fireworks, music, food, wine... we&rsquo;re almost too excited already!</p>
<p>And of course, if it all gets a bit much in town, we&rsquo;ll be glad to whisk you away on a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/information/#1" title="Thunder Jet - The Experience">thrilling blast up the lake</a>, Thunder Jet style!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 23 Nov 2012 16:34:06 +120023http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-11/queenstown-ranked-one-of-the-top-cities-in-the-south-pacific-by-cond-naste-readers.26/#2
<p>If you&rsquo;re coming to Queenstown there&rsquo;s plenty more to do than riding on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz" title="ThunderJet">ThunderJet</a> (I know, as if you&rsquo;d want to do anything else!) &ndash; over 46,000 readers of the influential <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/oceania/top-5-cities-australia-pacific" title="Cond&eacute; Naste">Cond&eacute; Naste</a> magazine ranked Queenstown just behind Sydney &ndash; here&rsquo;s what readers scored out of 100:</p>
<p>Ambiance 91.6</p>
<p>Friendliness 91.8</p>
<p>Lodging 78.7</p>
<p>Restaurants 75.8</p>
<p>Culture/sites 76.9</p>
<p>Shopping 53.8</p>
<p>So invite your friends from around New Zealand, those over the ditch and all those family and friends overseas to come visit and take a spin on Lake Wakatipu with us &ndash; as you can see we&rsquo;re 91.8% friendly! Once you&rsquo;re done with ThunderJet, sample the rest of what our wonderful town has to offer this summer!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 16 Nov 2012 11:25:12 +120022http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-06/thunder-jet-taking-centre-stage.24/#2
<p>The countdown to the 2012 Queenstown Winter Festival is on! In just three&nbsp;days the opening celebrations and fireworks will kick off ten days of fun and frivolity in the resort and the crew at Thunder Jet can't wait to get involved. Queenstown is abuzz with festival fever and&nbsp;Thunder Jet's Queenstown Bay location means we will be&nbsp;right in the heart of the downtown action for the duration of festival. With construction of the Winter Festival stage underway on Earnslaw Park, we're already&nbsp;looking forward to the hours of entertainment we will be treated to over the next two weeks! If you are in Queenstown for Winter Festival you'd be crazy not to head down to Earnslaw Park at some stage to check out the action! Come say hi to the Thunder Jet crew while you're at it - we'd love to see you and take you for a spin on the lovely Lake Wakatipu. Wrap up warm and get amongst it!</p>Team Thunder JetTue, 19 Jun 2012 21:08:05 +120021http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-05/rolling-out-the-red-carpet-in-queenstown.23/#2
<p>The long awaited arrival of the&nbsp;first 'Pavlova Western' film <em>Good For Nothing </em>is almost over for Queenstown cinema-goers. The film, which was released in New Zealand&nbsp;at the start of May, opens in the resort later this week giving local viewers the opportunity to see the unique&nbsp;kiwi take on the western genre. Described as an adventurous romantic set in the Old West, <em>Good For Nothing</em> is the debut film by emerging director Mike Wallis. Wallis, a former resident of Queenstown opted to shoot many scenes locally so there will be plenty of chances to play spot the scenery. A Queenstown premiere of the film will be held on Thursday evening&nbsp;(May 24) before&nbsp;it opens to the public on Friday. If you are visiting Queenstown and keen to catch a flick put this uniquely kiwi film on your list!&nbsp;Once you're all popcorn and movie-d out come down to Queenstown Bay and see the team at&nbsp;Thunder Jet - we'll be on hand to give you a blast of fresh late-autumn air. Get amongst it!</p>Team Thunder JetTue, 22 May 2012 13:37:11 +120020http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-05/brrr-winter-is-on-its-way.22/#2
<p>After a long period of settled autumn weather, winter reminded us it is just around the corner today with a polar blast bringing snow to low levels around the Wakatipu&nbsp;overnight - hopefully this means&nbsp;there won't be such a long wait for the start of the ski season this year! It's got to be a good thing that the cold front has enabled local skifield Coronet Peak&nbsp;to get snow making underway - bring on the skiing and snowboarding! Until then, as usual,&nbsp;there's plenty going on in Queenstown&nbsp;to keep everyone entertained.&nbsp;Why not check out the local production of The Sound of Music put on by the talented&nbsp;members of Showbiz&nbsp;Queenstown at the Memorial Hall one night&nbsp;- it opens on&nbsp;Thursday (May 17)&nbsp;and runs until May 26.</p>
<p>Big congratulations to Destination Queenstown marketing manager Graham Budd who has, this week, been appointed to the role of DQ CEO after the position was left vacant by Tony Everitt - well done Graham!</p>
Team Thunder JetWed, 16 May 2012 8:39:29 +120019http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-05/counting-down-to-winter-festival.21/#2
<p>The countdown to the 2012 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival is now on! In just under seven weeks the biggest party in the southern hemisphere will kick off down here on Earnslaw Park right in front of Thunder Jet and we are very much looking forward to it. Held annually to celebrate the arrival of winter, Queenstown Winter Festival is an iconic 11 day long event which sees many visitors returning year after year to join in the crazy antics and fabulous festivities. The 2012 programme is loaded with all the crowd favourites including the Birdman and Opening Party with fireworks as well as a performance by comedy duo Flight of the Conchords and the New Zealand premiere of animated film Ice Age 4. Tickets are now on sale so check out the 2012 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.winterfestival.co.nz/programme/">programme</a> and book yourself a ticket to party - you wouldn't want to miss out!</p>Team Thunder JetMon, 7 May 2012 8:30:04 +120018http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-04/anzacs-honoured-in-wakatipu.20/#2
<p>ANZAC Day 2012 will be commemorated with traditional morning services in Arrowtown and Queenstown this year as well as two performances of World War Two themed concert 'Music While You Work' which will be staged in the Queenstown Memorial Hall at 2.30 and 7.30pm on April 25. Traditionally held later than in other centres across New Zealand, Wakatipu-based ANZAC Day services attract varied crowds which usually include a mixture of Kiwis, Australians and other visitors to the area. If you've never been or are interested in learning more about the ANZACS and the significance of the day for New Zealand and Australia as a country head along and join in - everyone is welcome. The team at Thunder Jet will be operating as usual on ANZAC Day so if you fancy taking a spin with us come on down to the jetty.</p>
<ul>
<li>QUEENSTOWN: Parade will assemble 9.15am Memorial Gates on Marine Parade for 9.30am march to Memorial Hall. Service to begin 10am Queenstown Memorial Hall.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ARROWTOWN: RSA members gather Athenaeum Hall 10am. Public gather from 10.15am - service starts 10.30am. Following the service there will be a march to the Cenotaph to lay wreaths.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ANZAC Day Concert - <em>'Music While You Work'</em> - Queenstown Memorial Hall, 2.30pm &amp; 7.30pm. Presented by Queenstown RSA, the concert features a large cast of local performers and former TVNZ newsreader Dougal Stevenson. Tickets $15 adult/$10 child, available Queenstown i-Site or on the door (cash only). Proceeds to Queenstown Memorial Hall Trust for redevelopment of Memorial Hall.</li>
</ul>Team Thunder JetTue, 24 Apr 2012 11:24:30 +120017http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-04/picture-perfect.19/#2
<p>The school holidays are almost over but they are going out with a child friendly bang in the Wakatipu with the last weekend of the New Zealand holidays coinciding with the opening of the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival. The festival runs for tens days from April 20 and offers a varied programme with events for all ages. This year's line up includes all the usual favourites including Saturday's street parade, a Pie and Pint Festival, Masterchef winner Brett McGregor and an ANZAC Day memorial service. If you haven't been it is well worth a visit as Arrowtown and the surrounding Wakatipu Basin offer truly spectacular scenery at this time of year as the trees change colour and the days close in. We've been enjoying some beautiful Autumn weather in the region with clear crisp nights and warm sunny days - bliss - especially out on the water with all those stunning reflections on Lake Wakatipu!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:09:43 +120016http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-04/adventure-racing-is-back.18/#2
<p>For the first time in seven years adventure racing has returned to New Zealand by way of the inaugural GODZone Adventure Race which is being raced right now with teams expected to complete the gruelling event anytime from today onwards. With the finish line in Queenstown, why not support the competitors who have been out tackling the challenging terrain of the western side of the lower South Island as they make their way up Lake Wakatipu in the final leg over the coming days. The Team at Thunder Jet is looking forward to welcoming home the dedicated athletes, who have been racing since Saturday, as they start appearing in Queenstown Bay over the next few days. If you fancy getting out on the water yourself check out our exhilarating rides <a href="/">here</a> - if you are lucky you might even get the chance to watch some athletes come in to the finish line!</p>Team Thunder JetWed, 11 Apr 2012 11:35:29 +120015http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-04/hold-the-chocolate--our-hands-are-full-yeah-right.17/#2
<p>Wow - it's hard to believe Easter is already upon us - it has been such a busy year with so many things to do in Queenstown since we celebrated the New Year that time has flown by. Sticking to true Queenstown form, the long Easter weekend will provide yet another action packed programme of events for residents and visitors to the region to enjoy this Easter. Thunder Jet will be open and operating from our Queenstown Bay base and would love to see you all over the long weekend - with such stunning sunny days you would be crazy not to get out on the water and take a spin. Other entertainment/participation options in the Wakatipu this Easter include The Queenstown Bike Festival which runs until Monday, Warbirds Over Wanaka which is held at the Wanaka Airport from Friday until Sunday, the annual Lake Hayes Triathlon on Good Friday and Remarkables Runners is holding several running events on Easter Sunday around the Frankton Arm. Get amongst it and enjoy the good weather - Happy Easter from the crew at Thunder Jet.</p>Team Thunder JetTue, 3 Apr 2012 11:32:34 +120014http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-03/spoilt-for-choice-in-the-wakatipu.16/#2
<p>With major sporting events scheduled to take us through to Easter, the Wakatipu is a busy place this Autumn. The resort is buzzing with athletes as the Arrowtown-based NZPGA Pro-Am Championship gets underway at The Hills golf course today (Thursday) and bike enthusiasts of all disciplines arrive in the resort to tackle some of the events on the 11 day long Queenstown Bike Festival programme which starts tomorrow (Friday). Autumn is the perfect time to make the most of the recreational offerings of the Wakatipu and organisers of both events expect to attract large numbers to the resort. Hollywood actor Don Cheadle will line up against New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to play in a preliminary event at Jack's Point golf course tomorrow and there will be plenty of action on the main course at The Hills near Arrowtown through until Sunday. The second annual Queenstown Bike Festival runs through until April 9 and amongst the events will be New Zealand's first bike slopestyle event offering competitors an attractive $10,000 prize purse. There are always a lot of things to do in Queenstown. Don't miss out on the action.</p>Team Thunder JetThu, 29 Mar 2012 11:44:11 +120013http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-03/on-ya-bike.15/#2
<p>Pedal power dominating resort</p>
<p>Biking is a boom industry in Queenstown - the resort's expansive network of trails and tracks offers suitable rides for all ages and abilities and mountainbike riders and cyclists around the world are cottoning on. In recent years a lot of work has been done to build and maintain cycle ways, jump parks and downhill tracks and word is getting out with thousands of visitors coming to utilise the world class facilities. Not a month goes by without a biking event of some description being held in the resort during the long summer season and the number of businesses springing up to service the ever growing industry suggest it will continue to expand in the future. To showcase the region's extensive bike facilities, organisers of the ten-day long <em>Queenstown Bike Festival</em> held from March 30, have made use of as many trails and jump parks as possible. The festival includes everything from leisurely family rides to extreme downhill action - and if you would rather sit on the sideline and watch - the new Slopestyle event in central Queenstown will be worth a look. Thunder Jet will be operating throughout the festival, so if you fancy a little fun on the water check out our rides <a href="/information/">here</a>. </p>Team Thunder JetThu, 22 Mar 2012 16:02:05 +120012http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-03/its-business-time.14/#2
<p>The wait is finally over for kiwi fans of the highly successful comedy act The Flight of the Conchords. Grammy award winning duo Bret McKenzie (who recently won an Oscar for his work on The Muppets film) and Jemaine Clement have announced a ten-date nationwide tour of New Zealand this winter and Queenstown has made the cut. The pair are expected to perform in front of a sell-out crowd of about 1500 during the opening weekend of Queenstown's annual Winter Festival. Following the success of their HBO hit television series, the kiwi duo have sold out tours across the United States and Europe, been nominated for an Emmy Award and been on The Simpsons. Tickets for the June 24 concert at the Queenstown Events Centre go on sale on March 23. <br /> </p>Team Thunder JetThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:03:22 +120011http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-03/win-the-ultimate-queenstown-getaway-this-autumn.13/#2
<p>Fancy indulging in a $NZ5000 Queenstown holiday this Autumn? Of course you do. To be in with a chance to win the ultimate getaway all you ave to do is describe how you would spend $5000 in the resort in less than 50 words. There are so many things to do in Queenstown that keeping your answer within the word limit could prove to be challenging.Entrants are talking about renewing vows, treating their family to a well deserved break, getting away from the Christchurch shakes and living it up like a rock star.</p>
<p>We've compiled a list of five suggestions to get you started - good luck!</p>
<p>1. Exhilarating jetboat experience with Thunder Jet (of course)</p>
<p>2. Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak to check out the stunning birds eye views of Queenstown</p>
<p>3. Tour of the Wakatipu Basin's fine wineries</p>
<p>4. Bungy jump</p>
<p>5. Enjoy Queenstown's fine dining establishments and lively nightlife</p>
<p>To enter Destination Queenstown's autumn holiday giveaway on Facebook go to http://on.fb.me/yPDonB. Ten entries will be drawn at random and voted on. Entries close March 21 (Only persons residing in Australia and New Zealand who are at least 18 years of age can enter).</p>Team Thunder JetWed, 7 Mar 2012 10:24:56 +120010http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-03/bathe-in-the-river.12/#2
<p>Kiwi soul singer/guitarist Hollie Smith is Queenstown-bound this weekend to play the fourth concert in the Winehouse Summer Concert Series at Gibbston. Smith exploded onto the kiwi music scene with her rendition of Bathe in the River in 2006 and went on to win four Tuis at the New Zealand Music Awards for her debut album Long Player. The crew at Thunderjet know a bit about bathing in the river too and would love to take you for a spin on the fine waterways of the Wakatipu. See our rates <a href="/information/">here</a>. Smith's performance will be followed by Anika Moa on March 18 and Julia Deans and Seth Haapu who will round out the series on April 1. Smith plays at the Winehouse on March 4 - tickets to all gigs are $45.</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 2 Mar 2012 14:36:21 +12009http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-02/wakatipu-wineries-in-the-spotlight-in-new-series.11/#2
<p>Queenstown is set to star in a unique documentary series for the internet and television which profiles the wine industry and local adventure activities. The WINERAM Experience is a six-part web and two-part television series which ultimately aims to break down traditional stereotypes and make wine more accessible and approachable to Generation Y. The series, which has the support of Tourism New Zealand, is likely to be screened internationally and director Colin West says his website has already received hits from 25 countries across the globe including Mongolia - this can only mean good things for tourism. The series won't hit screens here until later in the year but you can follow the crew's progress and see up to date behind the scenes footage online <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wineram.com">here</a>. If you feel like partaking in an adventure activity yourself check out our exhilarating jet boat rides <a href="/information/">here</a>.</p>Team Thunder JetWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:01:22 +12008http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-02/yachts-set-to-sail-on-wakatipu.10/#2
<p>Yachties from all over the South are expected to hit Lake Wakatipu this weekend for the annual Donald Hay Classic on Saturday. The annual event, in its 33rd year, marks the original voyage from Kingston to Queenstown of Donald Hay. The feat was achieved in 1859 but Hay didn't have a fancy yacht - he made the voyage on a raft, that is impressive! The weekend of racing includes a pub to pub event on Friday and the Classic on Saturday - keep an eye out on the lake to see competitors making their way towards Queenstown. If you are keen to get a closer look at the action why not come down to Thunder Jet this weekend and take a ride .</p>Team Thunder JetThu, 16 Feb 2012 11:14:11 +12007http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-02/resort-hosts-more-rock-and-rugby.9/#2
<p>The events calendar has been jam packed all summer long in the Wakatipu and there is another impressive line up of things to do in Queenstown this weekend. With the 2012 Super Rugby season just around the corner, our local franchise The Highlanders are hitting the road this weekend and will play a home pre-season game against the Chiefs on the Queenstown Recreation Ground this Saturday at 5pm. Entry is free and being just a short stroll from local bars and cafes it's a great Saturday afternoon entertainment option for all. If you would prefer an afternoon of classic rock tickets are still available to The Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert featuring The Doobie Brothers and Little River Band. And, of course, the Thunder Jet team will be at our Queenstown Bay office all week waiting to take you for a spin on our <a href="/information/">state-of-the-art jet boats</a> on Lake Wakatipu.</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 10 Feb 2012 9:47:02 +12006http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-02/waitangi-in-the-wakatipu.8/#2
<p>Waitangi Day celebrations in the Wakatipu have received a boost from the government which could mean the resort will have a regular official celebration for the first time. A $2000 grant has enabled the Queenstown Lakes District Council to organise an afternoon of traditional Maori activities to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on Monday from midday. But there's plenty to take in before then, with Rippon Festival in Wanaka and the Shotover Moonlight Marathon in Queenstown on Saturday and 70s rockers Creedence Clearwater Revisited playing at the Events Centre at Frankton on Sunday. The Thunder Jet crew will be operating all weekend from our Queenstown Bay office and we're looking forward to enjoying some good summer weather and seeing you!</p>Team Thunder JetFri, 3 Feb 2012 9:13:23 +12005http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-01/pinot-celebration-hits-queenstown.7/#2
<p>Central Otago winemakers have come a long way since the first Pinot Noir grapes were planted for scientific research in Alexandra in 1972. The first commercial release was made by Gibbston Valley pioneer Alan Brady in 1987 and since 2000 the achievements of those involved in building the local industry have been celebrated at the annual Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration. Wine buffs and enthusiasts along with a large international contingent of experts and media have once again converged on Queenstown for the 2012 celebration which started on Thursday and runs until Sunday. It's too late to join in but it's not to late to sample some of the locally produced goods in one of the Wakatipu's fine establishments - remember to ask for Central Otago Pinot Noir! </p>Team Thunder JetFri, 27 Jan 2012 15:17:14 +12004http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-01/whos-with-the-band.6/#2
<p>Music lovers of a wide range of genres will be spoilt for choice over the next few weeks as a huge selection of talented musicians line up to play in the Queenstown Lakes district. Kiwi musos Barry Saunders and Lindon Puffin get things started at the Winehouse on January 29. The highly popular Rippon music festival follows hot on their heels on February 4 on the shores of Lake Wanaka before an onslaught the following week which will see The Doobie Brothers, Little River Band, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Tiki Taane, Aloe Blacc, John Butler Trio and Jason Kerrison all play in the Wakatipu. If you enjoy good music and like to have a good time we reckon there's a pretty good chance you will enjoy <a href="/information/">our jetboat trips</a>, too. We look forward to seeing you soon!</p>Team Thunder JetWed, 18 Jan 2012 13:43:43 +12003http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2012-01/a-hummer-of-a-summer.5/#2
<p>Summer 2011/2012 is proving to be one of the best in recent memory and the team at Thunder Jet is loving getting out on the glistening water and <a href="/information/">sharing the beautiful scenery</a> of the Wakatipu with our customers. The weather has been superb and it's no wonder thousands of holidaymakers have been flocking to Queenstown to enjoy a slice of summer paradise. If you haven't managed to see one of the spectacular sunsets we have been enjoying on a regular basis we think you should make a point of catching one. There's plenty going on in the Southern Lakes district this summer and we hope you all make the most of it.</p>Team Thunder JetMon, 9 Jan 2012 11:22:05 +12002http://www.thunderjetqueenstown.co.nz/thunder-live/archive/2011-09/website-launch.4/#2
<p>We are very proud to announce that <a href="/">our website</a> has been launched, have a browse around &amp; be sure to <a href="/find-us/">tell us</a> what you think.</p>
<p>While you are here, why not 'LIKE' our Facebook page using the Like button at the top or by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thunder-Jet/127028327363712">Thunder Jet on Facebook</a>.</p>GemmaTue, 6 Sep 2011 15:00:21 +12001